Michael Jackson - How a Song Named I Wanna Eat You Up Became One Of His Biggest Hits

We now know Michael Jackson as perhaps the greatest entertainer the world has ever known. However, it wasn't always that way. Back in 1978 he was still trying to find his way from being a teen star to becoming an adult one. Find out how Karen Carpenter (of The Carpenters) as well as the song "I Wanna Eat You Up" helped propel Michael toward superstardom. Also, find out what TV star was preferred for the role over Michael in the musical "The Wiz".

[@kingcassius2586]

I shiver at the thought of Jimmy Walker up on that pole singing "YOU CAN'T WIIIIN, CHIIIIIILE" 🤕😯😐😑

[@blaqjade1384]

I didn't know that about the title and JJ. A great example of being open to change. "Rock With You" is one of my faves.💯

[@whitegoldiesinsidethemusic702]

It's one of our favorites too! We actually could make a channel with just Michael Jackson and all his music! Thanks for listening.

[@ltravail]

Interesting tidbit to hear that Lumet originally wanted Jimmy Walker to play the Scarecrow in the Wiz. Personally I think Walker would have been the perfect choice for that role. Obviously, politics played the biggest part in the decision to go with MJ instead. He was good, but Walker could have brought so much more comic potential to the role. By the way, MJ's biggest hit of all time, Thriller, also was written by Rod Temperton. The song was originally called "Starlight." Then someone (Quincy Jones, most likely) suggested they re-write the lyrics to make the song a horror movie tune, as Vincent Price was available to make a contribution. I can't imagine that the tune would have become anything like the iconic classic it became had they published it as "Starlight" instead of "Thriller." Shows you how even seemingly insignificant creative decisions can be the difference between extraordinary success and failure.

[@kingcassius2586]

But to hear Jimmie Walker up on that pole singing "You can't WIIIIN, CHIIIIILE!" 😵😬😒

[@KaykayWilliAm]

Let me fact check you right now…..Obviously you have a hatred for MJ and don’t wanna give him credit because now you’re trying to give credit to everyone BUT MJ having thriller being a sucess….oh and btw Billie Jean that MIchael JACKSON wrote was and is bigger than thriller fun fact. Another fun fact Rod temperton wrote thriller after being influenced by a horror track that MJ wrote called “this place hotel ( heart break hotel) which is a horror theme. So indirectly MJ was the reason why thriller became a horror creation, this was a theme MJ did on the triumph album with his brothers and Rod temperton took note of that. And as far as Jimmy walker playinf the wiz, yeah he could’ve brought more comedic ness to the role however the wiz was meant to be a musical nor necessarily a comedy. Jimmy Walker was a great comedic but could he sing? NO did he have the charisma MJ had? HELL NO and could he dance? NO. It wasn’t about politics, MJ was simply more gifted point blank period now y’all can argue about whether Diana was too old to play Dorothy but A lot of ppl can agree MJ was the right choice. "Heartbreak Hotel" was like "Thriller" before "Thriller". People don't wanna talk about how MJ's greatest works.... were actually conceived by MJ himself. The funny thing is heartbreak hotel is actually a better written masterpiece than thriller is but thriller is more influential. MJ’s self written heartbreak hotel is the reason why Rod wrote thriller because it seems like you haven’t gave MJ any credit. Thriller who Rod temperton wrote isn’t even his best song.

[@tresboujay]

It’s funny you say that video only cost 3K. I mean I figured as such. But my kids who were born in the 90s to this day still refer to Rock With You as the $5 video! 😂😂😂😂

[@rosalindwilliams196]

Here's a thought, could Jimmie walker dance?

[@thankthelord4536]

Or sing.

[@kingcassius2586]

@@thankthelord4536 I shiver at the thought of Jimmy Walker up on that pole singing "You can't wiiin, CHIIIIIIILLE.."

[@thankthelord4536]

@@kingcassius2586 😅

[@tresboujay]

@@thankthelord4536 that was my first thought.

[@kayg260]

I wonder what the original lyrics were to that song. Thank goodness they switched it up for MJ.

[@MsSoul168]

Lol Jimmie Walker would've been a poor choice of casting a comedian to do a musical.

[@movielovers8741]

😂🤣🤣🤣😂😂🤣🤣😂😂🤣🤣🤣

[@noir269]

MJ can't really be the "King of Rnb" cuz that wasn't his sound, it was everything.

[@platinumone1159]

Jimmie Walker would have been a HIT as the Scarecrow, no disrespect to Michael but the director was on point choosing Walker, he would have taken that role to another level with his comedy.

[@shellythomas6465]

Just found your channel, White Goldie, and am appreciating your distinct narration and ability to tell a story without a lot of heehawing, nyuk-nyuking and cursing. The narration makes the story and clear, proper narration will take the viewer on a journey away from the current moment and put them in that space and time. Also, you add additional info at the end that the viewer never knew and that's a plus! I hope you continue to do these videos because you are very good at it and it's a pleasure to listen to you. Best of luck and continued success in the future!!